Scripture

There he made his home in a town called Nazareth so that what had been spoken by the prophet might be fulfilled, “He will be called a Nazarene.”

Observation

An angel appears to Joseph in a dream, warning him to flee with the child to Egypt because Herod is about to try to kill Jesus. Joseph and Mary immediately leave Bethlehem and travel to Egypt where they stay until Herod dies.

Herod is furious when he discovers that the wise men have tricked him. He orders that all babies born in or around Bethlehem under the age of two years be killed.

Finally Herod dies, and the angel again appears to Joseph in a dream telling him it is safe to return to Israel. So they go and live in Nazareth.

Application

All though the story of the birth of Jesus, Matthew make sit clear that God is in control. Everything that happens is done in order to fulfil ancient prophecies, whether the people involved are aware of it or not.

The last thing Herod was thinking about when he ordered the killing of the babies was how to fulfil the prophecies. Yet he did just that.

Joseph was concerned with keeping his family safe, and so he listened to the angel in his dreams. In doing so, he fulfilled the prophecies.

There is a paradox at work in our lives. God allows us the freedom to choose our actions. Yet He uses the freely chosen actions to achieve His purposes.

We can be sure that, even when our lives are spinning out of control, God is there and He is bringing His purposes to pass.

Paul writes: “All things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purposes.” (Romans 8:28)

Prayer

Thank you Lord for the assurance that you are working my life for my good. Amen.